The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.
Munich Airport lies about 28 km northeast of the city, serving as Lufthansa’s second-largest hub and a friendly, efficient gateway to Bavaria. Known for its calm layout and genuine Bavarian character, it is one of the few airports where the terminal experience itself is a highlight, from fresh beer to open-air runway views.
The S-Bahn is the easiest way in. The S1 and S8 suburban trains both connect the airport to Munich’s central station, Münchner Hauptbahnhof, in roughly 40 to 45 minutes, running frequently throughout the day. The Lufthansa Express Bus is a faster alternative, departing regularly and reaching the city center in around 45 minutes. Taxis take about 40 minutes depending on traffic.
The star attraction is Airbräu, the world’s first airport brewery, opened in 1999, which serves its own Bavarian beers in Europe’s largest roofed beer garden. Outside, the free Visitors Park is open around the clock, with historic aircraft on display, a viewing hill overlooking the runways, a playground, a flight simulator and mini golf. In winter, the open area between the terminals hosts a Christmas market and a seasonal ice rink.
Munich is a compact, well-signed airport, and connections between Terminals 1 and 2 are straightforward. To head into the city, allow at least four to five hours to be comfortable once you factor in the train and, if leaving the Schengen area, passport control. For shorter stops, the beer garden and Visitors Park are right there and easy to reach.
Use the tools above to check whether your layover is long enough to leave, and how the transit, immigration, and security timings add up for MUC.
